When Is The Best Time To Start Shovelling Snow During A Snowstorm?

This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask every winter.

As a professional snow removal company, we’ve seen it all: compacted snow that turns to ice overnight, strained backs from lifting heavy drifts, and driveways that freeze solid before the storm even ends.

And so, the best time to start shovelling isn’t after the storm, it’s during it.

Tackling snow in smaller, manageable stages keeps the load light, reduces ice build-up, and protects your back.

Why Waiting Until the End Makes Things Harder

Most people wait until a snowstorm ends before picking up the shovel, and that’s when the real struggle begins. Snow doesn’t just pile up; it compresses under its own weight.

When you wait until a storm finishes, that fluffy layer at the start turns into a heavy, slushy mass underneath. Add freezing temperatures overnight, and you’ve got a sheet of ice waiting to form.

That means every shovel load becomes a full-body workout. A single cubic foot of wet snow can weigh more than 20 pounds. Multiply that across an entire driveway or walkway, and you’re lifting hundreds of pounds of frozen material.

How Temperature and Timing Affect Your Shovelling Plan

Temperature plays a big role in how and when to shovel effectively.

• When it’s hovering around 0°C: Snow tends to be wetter and heavier, so clearing every few centimetres helps prevent compacting and freezing later.
  
  
• When it’s well below freezing: Snow will be drier and lighter, meaning you can wait a bit longer between rounds but still avoid leaving it overnight.
  
  
• When temperatures drop overnight: Always clear before dusk. Any leftover slush or packed snow will freeze solid and bond to the surface, making it nearly impossible to remove the next day.

The Right Strategy for Shovelling During A Snow Storm

Shovel in stages. Snowstorms can last hours or days, and clearing it in stages is the most efficient, low-stress approach.

Here’s how to make it work:

• Go out every few hours during prolonged snowfall. A quick 10–15-minute session when the snowfall lightens is easier on your body than one exhausting hour of digging later.
• Start with high-traffic areas. Clear steps, walkways, and driveway exits first. You’re targeting anywhere someone could slip or where snow compacts easily under foot traffic.
• Keep the snow moving outward. Shovel away from the house and throw snow in consistent directions to avoid building up large, hard-to-manage piles.
• Don’t let snow pile too high. Deep drifts compact faster and are prone to freezing solid overnight, especially near entrances.
• Push, don’t lift. When possible, push snow across the surface instead of scooping and tossing it. This saves energy and reduces strain on your back.
• Use de-icer between rounds. A light layer of pet- and turf-safe ice melt prevents refreezing between clears, keeping the surface safe for each pass.

Safety First: Protect Your Body While You Work

Even light snow can add up fast. To keep yourself safe while shovelling:

• Warm up before heading outside. Tight, cold muscles are more prone to injury.
• Use an ergonomic shovel that lets you push rather than lift.
• Take frequent breaks, especially during longer storms.
• Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion; heavy snow can strain your heart and back.
• If you have any health concerns, consider hiring a professional crew instead of tackling it yourself.

Pro Tip: Watch for Wind and Snow Drift.

Even after you’ve cleared your driveway, wind can blow snow back across the surface, especially in open areas. Angle your shovel or snow blower to direct snow downwind, and clear a small barrier ridge on the windy side of your driveway to reduce drift buildup.

Why Professional Snow Removal Matters

The best time to start shovelling snow during a storm is before it gets heavy, but the smartest approach is to leave it to the pros.

Green Drop’s residential snow removal services are built around the same principle of proactive clearing. Our WCB-insured crews monitor weather in real time and automatically deploy within 24 hours of snowfall, keeping driveways, steps, and sidewalks safe before snow compacts or turns to ice.

Serving Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Regina, to Saskatoon, we help homeowners stay ahead of winter. Book your snow removal plan today and make every snowstorm a little easier to handle.